First report of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae’ in Slovenia
In December 2017, the NPPO of Slovenia reported the first outbreak of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae’ on its territory. In November 2017, a grower from the municipality of Slovenska Bistrica reported declining hazel trees (Corylus avellana). In the affected orchard, samples of shoots and roots were taken from trees showing decline or witches’ brooms. Additional samples were also collected from another nearby orchard (1 km away). In both orchards, ‘Ca. P. fragariae’ was detected (real-time PCR and sequencing). All infected trees will be destroyed to eradicate the disease, and a delimiting survey will be carried out during the next growing season.
The pest status of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fragariae’ in Slovenia is officially declared as: Transient, actionable, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Slovenia (2017-12).